Why is Mysore so early?

It’s a fairly common question. and thought I’d offer more practical answers like, your body is more honest in the morning, deep down, I also secretly assumed it was to test your dedication. Like some form of hazing or rite of passage to deem you worthy.

Until recently, that is, as the scope of my daily practice has gotten bigger and more demanding. at the same time, so has my life. It’s like crazy and crazier. Don’t get me wrong—not all bad. In fact, lots of it exciting and wildly awesome.

Yet all the while, I’m finding it hard to catch my breath. Things are changing so radically fast, I feel like a foreigner inside my own body and I must constantly reacquaint myself with myself in order to keep up.

I confided in a trusted teacher who was in town this past weekend. I told him how I was feeling and how disconcerting this whole process is for me and asked for his advice. He answered as I should’ve expected:

Practice every morning at the same time…in the same place…with the same teacher. Or at least, as close to this as possible.

Because when life/practice gets crazy, predictable rituals like these will keep us sane and healthy.

As a counselor, it was the same advice i gave clients over and over again, especially in times of great change. To keep the established routines sacred. Consistent bedtimes for children, date nights for parents and family dinners are all healthy and functional support systems in normal times—but when life gets crazy, these rituals are lifesavers.

My friend had to remind me of this. I have a more flexible schedule than most so I’m able to vary my time and place of practice which may sound enviable, but only creates more variables in an already fluctuating life/practice.

It’s a fact: whether you know it or not, change is coming because this yoga will transform you—and not just physically, but in every way imaginable.

So why is Mysore an early morning deal? It’s not a rite of passage but eventually, a ritual of comfort as it’s likely the only time you can carve with regular consistency. The only time work hours, traffic, school and Facebook won’t compete. and therefore the safest time to keep the crazy at bay.

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Ed: Kate Bartolotta